Overview

The TR360 is part of Belleville’s Tactical Research line. They are a standard 8” combat boot with a low profile VIBRAM ‘IBEX’ outsole. They have been designed as a lightweight general use boot for hot and desert conditions. They come in a number a colours including Multicam, black and sage marketed for use across the United States armed forces and ACU approved for US Army wear. I’ve used the boots for approximately six months. In that time they have done a number of pack marches of varying distances of between 7 and 25kms carrying various loads. I’ve used them in hot and wet weather, mountainous and flat terrain.

Uppers

The Khyber''s uppers are constructed of a mix of tan colour leather and Cordura panels. The Khyber has a good quality construction for such a light weight boot. The interior has a combat lunar lining designed for moisture wicking. I was impressed with how quickly they dried out after getting wet and how cool they kept my feet in hot conditions. The padding around the top of the boot is sufficient and provides a good level of comfort.The speed lace system however does not work as well as it could. the thick laces do not perform as well as the thinner laces found on other Belleville models (the 590 for example). If I were to use these boots for prolonged periods in the field I would replace the laces.

Outsoles / Insoles

OutsolesThe outsoles are a low profile VIBRAM ‘IBEX’. They are fitted with rappelling bars with the aim of extending the life of the boot and improving traction on rough terrain. I had concerns when I first saw the low profile soles. I wasn’t sure if they would hold up to conditions in the field for any extended period of time. Over time and with repeated use my initial concerns about the soles were proven to be unfounded. To begin with I wore the boots on a 20km march with a 25kg pack and belt order of approximately 7kg. I was surprised with how well they performed given that they are a light weight general purpose combat boot. The low profile sole does have the benefit of reducing the weight of the boot significantly. The lug pattern is aggresive and works well on varying terrain and in wet weather conditions. InsolesThe Khyber uses a TR-1 Load bearing orthotic insole. The insole has a deep contoured heel cup to stabalise the heel and a honeycomb forefoot to provide air circulation around the foot. They also have Agion treated anti bacterial sock liner

General comments

Likes The Khyber is extremely light weight and yet has a solid good quality construction. They are comfortable straight out of the box and required little to no breaking in. Even initially my feet didn’t get any hot spots or rubbing points whilst carrying 30kgs over distances up to 25kms on varying terrian. They are a wide fit which seems to work for my fat feet. DislikesThe speed lacing hook and eyelet system is not as efficient as other Belleville models. This is due to the thick laces that come standard with the boots. The light tan coloured leather gets pretty filthy over time I’d prefer to have them in a similar colour to the USMC Belleville 590 model with olive coloured Cordura panels, however, I understand that these boots are marketed to the US military and the colour schemes reflect that.